HB24-1051: New Colorado Towing Regulations: A Path to Fairness
If you've ever had your car towed, you know the dread that accompanies finding an empty spot where your vehicle used to be. Colorado lawmakers are taking significant steps to address what many have called "predatory towing practices." House Bill HB24-1051 is making its way through the legislative process, bringing forth a series of changes aimed at regulating the towing industry more stringently.
Key Changes in HB24-1051
Eliminating Parking Lot Patrols One of the major shifts proposed in HB24-1051 is to prohibit towing companies from patrolling private and residential parking lots to enforce parking restrictions. This means that for any tow to be authorized on private property, it must receive direct approval from the property management company or an employee, who must not have any financial ties to the towing company.
Stricter Permit Regulations The bill also gives the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) more power to suspend or revoke a towing carrier's permit if it is not in the public's best interest. This includes cases where the towing carrier has a history of repeated violations or felony convictions within the past five years.
Enhanced Signage Requirements To ensure transparency, the bill mandates that signs indicating towing rules must be at least 2 square feet, with lettering at least one inch high, and in both English and Spanish. These signs must be prominently displayed at both the entrance and within the property, ensuring they are visible and unobstructed.
Consumer Protections and Industry Impact
Consumer-Friendly Measures The bill includes several measures to protect consumers from unfair towing practices. For instance, if a vehicle is towed improperly, the towing company must return the vehicle to its original location within 48 hours. Additionally, towing carriers cannot impose any approval process other than a simple signature for retrieving a towed vehicle.
Industry Reactions While the bill has garnered support for its consumer protection aspects, it has also faced criticism, particularly from small business owners and HOA representatives. They argue that the bill could lead to "towing anarchy" and increase costs for affordable housing, as property owners might struggle to manage parking without the help of towing companies.
How This Affects You
Greater Transparency and Fairness For residents and visitors, the new regulations mean you can expect a fairer towing process. No longer will tow trucks patrol parking lots waiting to pounce on minor violations. Instead, each tow must be directly approved by an unbiased property manager. This reduces the chances of unfair or unexpected tows.
Clear Signage You’ll also benefit from clear, visible signage. The regulations ensure that towing signs are easy to read and understand, reducing confusion about where you can and cannot park. Signs must be large, with clear lettering in both English and Spanish, and placed in visible locations. This way, you'll always know if you’re at risk of being towed.
Improved Retrieval Process If your car is towed, retrieving it will be simpler and less stressful. The new rules prevent towing companies from adding extra hurdles to the process. All you’ll need to do is sign the appropriate form to get your car back, without going through any unnecessary approval processes.
Accountability for Towing Companies The towing companies themselves will be held to higher standards. The PUC can revoke permits for companies that consistently violate laws, ensuring that only responsible operators are allowed to tow vehicles. This should lead to fewer incidents of unjust towing and more reliable service when issues do arise.
Legislative Journey
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Andrew Boesenecker and Sen. Julie Gonzales, has passed the House and is now headed to the Senate. The bill's progress has been marked by significant support from the towing industry association but mixed reactions from other stakeholders.
Conclusion
HB24-1051 represents a comprehensive attempt to balance the needs of property owners, consumers, and the towing industry. If passed, it will go into effect 90 days after the legislative session adjourns, unless challenged by a referendum. This legislation aims to put an end to predatory towing practices and establish a fairer, more transparent process for all parties involved.
As a resident or visitor in Colorado, these changes mean you can park with greater peace of mind, knowing that the rules are clear and the process is fair. So, the next time you park, take a moment to appreciate the new signs and rest easy knowing that your car is safer from unjust tows.
